^[1]

Read my Story ^[2]

• There is a range of employment and day services you can consider for your young adult – everything from a job (full or part time, and with/without a job coach), to volunteer work, to a supervised work crew, to a sheltered workshop employment, to adult day programming. A combination of activities is also often used. There are agencies within each state that provide services in these areas.
• The programs and services offered vary not only by state but also by localities within each state, and the services offered also often vary from agency to agency.
• Some agencies provide both employment/day programming and residential services, while others provide only one – meaning the person and family may have to deal with two sets of providers.
• One other aspect of your child’s day to consider is to find physical activity (exercise) for your child to do each day. Many local recreation centers offer programs for people with varying abilities or they will include your child into their regular programming.
• Recreation center activities may include sports or craft activities or even dances.
• An added benefit to utilizing the recreation center is the social component that is present at the center, which is so important for your child!
• Call your local recreation center to see what activities your child can participate in.
• If you do not have access to a recreation center, maybe you can form a neighborhood walking group. Maybe a local church or school will let you bring in a group for craft projects or dances.
• With a little work you can keep your child active and healthy.
• Successful jobs/days can be maximized by:
• Spending the time to find the right job/activity for the day, including the length of time and time of day
• Finding the right mix of jobs/activities for the week
• Finding “natural supports” at a job
• Finding dedicated and caring people willing to work with your child and learn about Fragile X
• Ongoing family involvement and advocacy
• Keeping your child active and engaged in the world around him or her
• Contact your local disability organization to find out about the services in your area and to get your child on the appropriate wait lists.

For additional information see the Employment Section of the NFXF’s Adolescent and Adult Project ^[3]. There are video vignettes as well as written materials on all aspects of employment and vocational activities, including information on state and local resources:

Resources

• Administration on Developmental Disabilities – Developmental Disabilities Program ^[4]
  Area of Emphasis – Employment
• The Arc – Employment Issues for People with Disabilities ^[5]
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention – Developmental Disabilities ^[6]
• Therapeutic Recreation Directory ^[7] & Activity and Treatment Ideas for Recreation Therapy ^[8]
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – The Current State of Employment of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ^[9]
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Questions & Answers About Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act ^[10]